Chasing Desford: A Regency Novella

The Langham Line

by Amanda Panhorst

The best of enemies and the worst of friends.Lady Anthea’s relationship with Lord Desford has never been easy, but always entertaining. After ending a short, disastrous engagement, the two spend the next decade in a verbal sparring match. Their goal? Jab each other as much as possible while London looks on, accepting them as an eccentric, amusing pair. It's a position that suits them both. So, when word goes round that Desford is looking for a bride, Anthea is certain their relationship won’t change, and focuses her energies on how to dampen her beautiful niece’s infatuation with Desford’s cousin, the handsome Richard Tiverton.Finally yielding to the pressures of his family, Lord Desford agrees to find a wife and flatly refuses to help either Richard or Anthea in the situation revolving around Molly Wakefield, Anthea’s niece. With his considerable fortune, and title to go with it, it will be easy to find a suitable woman to fill the position. He knows full well that love will not play a part in his marriage. How could it when the woman he’s really wanted all these years won’t have anything to do with love?

Genres: Historical, Romance, Regency

114 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2020

About the author

Amanda writes clean regency and contemporary romance. She was raised along the Wasatch Front on a hearty diet of Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen novels. She firmly believes that the Three Rs: Reading, Riding and wRiting are a great recipe for happiness. Other ingredients include her family of three boys, a fantastic husband, and their pets, Ginny and Darcy, and Flint.

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Misunderstanding and Mayhem

So many misunderstandings just made me crazy. They were engaged nine years ago and the hot into a fight and she broke it off. It never says what the fight was about but I wish I knew. This is a totally clean romance. There was only one scene where they kissed at about the 97% Mark but it was sweet. Desford is looking for a bride, Anthea's niece Molly is in love with Desford's cousin, and the heroine thinks the H is selecting Molly as his wife. She tries to keep the young lovers apart but love conquers all. Or does it? There's a dash to Gretna Green, and who will get their first!!! Separation for nine years but I do believe they only had eyes for each other I think as friends at least. It never really clarifies it but I did enjoy it.Bob have read so many clean romances lately I feel like an old lady. Oh wait I am! 😇

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. I would rate it closer to 3.5 stars. It’s hard to deal with someone who is angry and vengeful for no reason and no explanation. But I still enjoyed it.

Story is built on a misunderstanding. And it’s exhausting when that happens. Also, why did they fight!? It was well written but a little frustrating. The heroine flies into a passion and acts out a little too much. Threatening to fire staff (or actually doing so) over small things? Berating her niece.

Somehow I still liked the heroine even though she’s so flawed. Oh well. No accounting for tastes. Perhaps if this were fleshed out into a full novel, some depth and character development could be added.

But still. I enjoyed it.

[nancy Lanham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sigh!!

About time time for a captivating romance of two determined crustaceans! We now no that strong inflexible Lions can fall in love personalities who do not chuckle nor sweetly giggle. The passion is palpable between these erstwhile lovers who enjoy set downs and shrewd comments. No fluffy praise just sincere admiration for each others character! BRAVO!!

[Carol Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Desford and Anthea have been frenemies most of their lives. When Desford decides to seek a bride, Althea must come to terms with their past. The plot reminded me of a Shakespearian comedy. Although I am not a fan of sarcastic humor, the book was a quick and enjoyable read.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilled to find a new author

Novellas can feel too short sometimes but this one still has some good character development. So happy they ended up together and went immediately to look for more by this author.

[Nena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked it very much

This book reminded me of a novel by Georgette Heyer. The plot was very similar but not so much as to think the author copied from her. Clean and entertaining. A very quick read.

[Nancy Baker-krofft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn of love not quite lost

I thought the tenderness and constancy of Desford endearing, and the idea of refinding one another in the midst of near death of the sister in law from her birthing bed very hopeful.

[Connie Skief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully funny story

Two people so passionate about everything it comes out in the most forceful of ways. Great story, characters, and setting. Highly recommended for all readers.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to escape into the regency era occasionally for a sweet romance.

[Bt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but verrry similar to Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer

[Melinda Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I must have read this before as part of an anthology since it was all very familiar. Fun quick read.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 4 out of 5]

An argumentative pair thats believable.

[Dot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content:
Language: none
Violence: none
Sexual: mild (kissing)
Substance Abuse: mild (drinking, getting drunk)
Other: pregnant woman almost dies from a hard labor

This was such a sweet read.

I loved Desford and Althea's relationship. They have a long-standing friendship. In their younger days they called off an engagement that they thought would not suit them. Both have stronger feelings that they have been carrying for each other yet all they ever offer each other is friendship. Only when they think they are going to truly lose the other to someone else do they finally realize they want more.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a friend, the incomparable Amanda Panhorst. Darling. Loved reading it. Wished it was longer. Keeping writing Amanda, I'm so proud of you!

BTW, the heroine's looks may or may not reflect the author's 🤣.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't quite remember the book (writing the review at the end of the year when I read it earlier in the year) but I enjoyed it enough to give it 4 stars.

[Iris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and cute romance.

no language, violence. Kissing only.